Who will top the SUNS' vote count in the Brownlow Medal on Monday night?
If the weekly coaches votes are any sort of guide it will be 2025 Brownlow winner Matt Rowell.
This is based on a conversion of the 5-4-3-2-1 votes awarded by each coach after each game to notional 3-2-1 votes in the ‘Coachlow Medal’, which suggests it will be Rowell ahead of Christian Petracca and Bodhi Uwland.
SUNS votes in the 'Coachlow' were
13.5 – Matt Rowell
10.5 – Christian Petracca
7.5 – Bodhi Uwland
6.5 – John Noble
5.5 – Touk Miller
4 – Noah Anderson
3 – Mac Andrew & Daniel Rioli
2.5 – Sam Collins
2 – Bailey Humphrey, Jarrod Witts & Ben King
1 – Zeke Uwland
0.5 – Ben Long
A Rowell “win” would make him the second SUNS player to top the club Brownlow vote three years in a row after Gary Ablett did so from 2011-2014.
Leading vote-getters year-by-year have been:
2011 – Gary Ablett – 23
2012 – Gary Ablett – 24
2013 – Gary Ablett – 28
2014 – Gary Ablett – 22
2015 – Harley Bennell – 7
2016 – Aaron Hall & Tom Lynch – 11
2017 – Gary Ablett – 14
2018 – Tom Lynch & Brayden Fiorini – 5
2019 – David Swallow – 7
2020 – Hugh Greenwood – 11
2021 – Touk Miller – 17
2022 – Touk Miller – 27
2023 – Noah Anderson – 22
2024 – Matt Rowell – 25
2025 – Matt Rowell – 39
Sadly, it’s not going to be a repeat of the thrilling Brownlow Medal count last year when Rowell polled 17 times in 23 games for a whopping 39 votes and a seven-vote win over Collingwood’s Nick Daicos.
Rowell received three votes eight times, two votes six times, and one vote three times as he posted the second-highest aggregate vote all-time, behind only Patrick Cripps’ 45 votes for Carlton in 2024.
It took the bullocking redhead’s career vote tally to 89 and pushed him to second spot on the SUNS' all-time list behind Ablett (122) and ahead of Noah Anderson (83) and Touk Miller (74).
Following is a game-by-game summary of the season, which gives SUNS fans a chance to see how the umpires vote in comparison to the coaches.
SUNS BROWNLOW MEDAL FORM GUIDE
Opening Round – Gold Coast 19.11 (125) d Geelong 10.9 (69) at People First Stadium
Zeke Uwland made his AFL debut as the SUNS made a brilliant start to the season, beating 2025 grand finalists Geelong. Christian Petracca (34 possessions, three goals), Touk Miller (30 possessions, one goal) and John Noble (28 possessions, two goals) led the stats sheet with Bailey Humphrey (15 possessions, four goals).
Immediately, there was a point of interest in the Brownlow votes. Will Petracca become the first SUNS player in history to poll three votes in his first game in red and yellow?
Only Izak Rankine has polled in his first game – he got one vote in 2020 – while Rowell and Brayden Fiorini polled in their second game, and Gary Ablett and Pearce Hanley in the third.
Coachlow Votes: Christian Petracca (3), Bailey Humphrey (2), Touk Miller (0.5), John Noble (0.5).
Round 1 – Gold Coast 20.11 (131) d West Coast 10.12 (72) at People First Stadium
The stats sheet was dominated by Noah Anderson (34 possessions, one goal), Joel Jeffrey (28 possessions), Alex Davies (25 possessions, one goal), Christian Petracca (23 possessions, four goals) and Jarrod Witts (20 possessions, one goal and 51 hit-outs).
Coachlow Votes: Christian Petracca (GC) 3, Jarrod Witts (GC) 2, Noah Anderson (GC) 1.
Round 2 – Gold Coast 19.14 (128) d Richmond 9.6 (60) at MCG
Damien Hardwick posted the 200th win of his coaching career against his old side as the SUNS logged a 3-0 start with a win at ‘headquarters’. Touk Miller had 31 possessions and a goal and Bodhi Uwland 29 possessions. Ben King kicked seven goals and Ethan Read four goals. Richmond’s Jayden Short topped the possession count with 33, while Seth Campbell had 19 possessions and three goals.
Coachlow Votes: Ben King (GC) 2, Touk Miller (GC) 2, Bodhi Uwland (GC) 2.
Round 3 – Bye
Round 4 – Melbourne 16.13 (109) d Gold Coast 14.5 (89) at MCG
Melbourne’s Jack Steele (26 possessions), Kozzi Pickett (25 possessions, one goal), Max Gawn (22 possessions, one goal and 32 hit-outs) and Jake Melksham (four goals) were the statistical standouts with John Noble (26 possessions) and Ben King (three goals).
Coachlow Votes: Max Gawn (M) 3, Jack Steele (M) 2, Kozzi Pickett (M) 1.
Round 5 – Sydney 14.16 (100) d Gold Coast 9.14 (68) at Norwood
It was Gather Round. Matt Rowell (32 possessions) and Ben Long (14 possessions, three goals) were the SUNS standouts in a loss to Sydney. Isaac Heeney (33 possessions, 10 clearances and two goals) starred for the Swans with Justin McInerney (27 possessions, one goal) and Brodie Grundy (20 possessions, 12 tackles, seven clearances and 36 hit-outs).
Coachlow Votes: Isaac Heeney (S) 3, Justin McInerney (S) 2, Brodie Grundy (S) 1.
Round 6 – Gold Coast 17.17 (119) d Essendon 17.8 (110) at People First Stadium
The SUNS got back on the winners’ list after being three points down at halftime. Matt Rowell (35 possessions) was a standout with Christian Petracca (25 possessions, three goals), while Zach Merrett (34 possessions, one goal), Archie Roberts (33 possessions) and Darcy Parish (30 possessions, 11 clearances) were best for the Bombers.
Coachlow Votes: Matt Rowell (GC) 3, Christian Petracca (GC) 2, Darcy Parish (Ess) 1.
Round 7 – Hawthorn 16.12 (112) d Gold Coast 9.9 (63) in Launceston
A trip to the Apple Isle for Jamarra Ugle-Hagan’s SUNS debut delivered a disappointing loss as Karl Amon (31 possessions), Jai Newcombe (30 possessions), Jarman Impey (28 possessions, one goal), Jack Gunston (five goals) and Josh Battle (29 possessions) dominated for the Hawks. Noah Anderson (31 possessions) was most prolific for the SUNS.
Coachlow Votes: Jai Newcombe (H) 3, Jack Gunston (H) 2, Jarman Impey (H) 1.
Round 8 – Gold Coast 11.17 (83) d GWS 8.15 (63) at People First Stadium
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan kicked three goals in a SUNS win in the “Expansion Cup” but it was John Noble (35 possessions, one goal), Christian Petracca (29 possessions, two goals) and Noah Anderson (27 possessions, one goal) who led the way. Clayton Oliver (32 possessions), Lachie Whitfield (30 possessions), Lachie Ash (29 possessions) and Finn Callaghan (28 possessions) were best for the Giants.
Coachlow Votes: John Noble (GC) 2.5, Christian Petracca (GC) 2.5, Finn Callaghan (GWS) 1.
Round 9 – Gold Coast 13.11 (89) d St Kilda 8.12 (60) in Darwin
In the first leg of the Darwin double Noah Anderson (31 possessions), Touk Miller (31 possessions), John Noble (31 possessions) and Bodhi Uwland (29 possessions) led a winning SUNS side with Ben King (four goals). Darcy Wilson had 22 possessions and kicked four goals for the Saints.
Coachlow Votes: Daniel Rioli (GC) 3, Bodhi Uwland (GC) 2, John Noble (GC) 1.
Round 10 – Gold Coast 15.8 (98) d Port Adelaide 10.13 (73) in Darwin
The SUNS posted their eighth consecutive win in the NT capital. Noah Anderson (33 possessions), John Noble (31 possessions) and Bodhi Uwland (31 possessions) topped the possession count while Sam Collins did an excellent shutdown job on Mitch Georgiades.
Coachlow Votes: Bodhi Uwland (GC) 2.5, John Noble (GC) 2.5, Sam Collins (GC) 0.5, Noah Anderson (GC) 0.5.
Round 11 – North Melbourne 17.9 (111) d Gold Coast 16.9 (105) at Marvel Stadium
One of the biggest disappointments of the year … the SUNS led by 38 points at halftime and 20 points at three-quarter time only to concede the last four goals and lose by six points. Sam Collins shut down Nick Larkey and Noah Anderson and Matt Rowell had 31 possessions each. Harry Sheezel (32 possessions), Luke Davies-Uniacke (30 possessions, one goal) and Jy Simpkin (29 possessions, one goal) were best for North.
Coachlow Votes: Jy Simpkin (NM) 3, Sam Collins (GC) 2, Matt Rowell (GC) 0.5, Luke Davies-Uniacke (NM) 0.5.
Round 13 – Brisbane 15.16 (106) d Gold Coast 11.9 (75) at the Gabba
Jai Murray made his AFL debut in the first Q-Clash of the season as the SUNS fell to the Lions. John Noble was a standout with 36 possessions as Ben King kicked four goals, Lachie Neale had 37 possessions and Logan Morris kicked a then career-best seven goals.
Coachlow Votes: Logan Morris (B) 3, Lachie Neale (B) 2, Darcy Wilmot (B) 1.
Round 14 – Geelong 15.15 (105) d Gold Coast 8.12 (60) at Kardinia Park
John Noble had 30 possessions in his 150th AFL game as the SUNS visited a ground at which they'd never won ... and didn't win again. They fell to 0-10 at the Cattery after a 45-point loss in which Max Holmes (31 possessions, one goal) and Bailey Smith (27 possessions) were the statistical standouts.
Coachlow Votes: Max Holmes (Geel) 3, Bailey Smith (Geel) 2, Tom Atkins (Geel) 1.
Round 15 – Hawthorn 17.11 (113) d Gold Coast 14.13 (97) at People First Stadium
Beau Addinsall debuted in Nick Holman's 150th AFL game but still the SUNS fell to a 16-point home loss to Hawthorn. Noah Anderson had a season-high 43 possessions as Joel Jeffrey (33) and Christian Petracca (31) also got plenty of the Sherrin, and Ben Long had 20 and kicked four goals. Still the Hawks prevailed thanks mainly to Jai Newcombe's 31 possessions and two goals.
Coachlow Votes: Jai Newcombe (Haw) 3, Mac Andrew (GC) 2, Ben Long (GC) 0.5, Noah Anderson (GC) 0.5.
Round 16 – Fremantle 11.14 (80) d Gold Coast 3.11 (29) at Optus Stadium
A tough day at the office for the SUNS after a long trip to Perth with the equal fourth-lowest score in club history. Noah Anderson (33 possessions, eight clearances) was a standout but the Dockers will take the votes.
Coachlow Votes: Andy Brayshaw (Frem) 3, Luke Jackson (Frem) 1.5, Michael Frederick (Frem) 0.5.
Round 17 – Collingwood 15.14 (104) d Gold Coast 15.8 (98) at People First Stadium
A monster crowd of 21,072 saw a valiant effort from the SUNS in Dylan Patterson's debut but, sadly, they came up empty. John Noble had 33 possessions against his former club, and Zeke Uwland 32 possessions and a goal in his first 30-possession game. Touk Miller (28 possessions and 10 tackles) was another standout in Ben Long's 150th AFL game as Nick Daicos was held to a moderate 31 possessions and one goal but still topped the 'Coachlow' votes.
Interest for SUNS fans will focus on whether Zeke can poll his first Brownlow vote, and whether the Uwland brothers can both poll.
Coachlow Votes: Nick Daicos (Coll) 3, Zeke Uwland (GC) 1, Tim Membrey (Coll) 1, Bodhi Uwland (GC) 1.
Round 18 – Adelaide 19.14 (128) d Gold Coast 7.7 (49) at Adelaide Oval
After a solid start the SUNS fell away badly and were soundly beaten. Matt Rowell (27) and Noah Anderson (25) led the possession count as ex-SUN Izak Rankine had 31 possessions and a goal for the Crows, who were also well served by Jordan Dawson (29 possessions, two goals), Sam Berry (28 possessions, 12 tackles, 10 clearances) and, in his last game against the SUNS, Taylor Walker (five goals).
Coachlow Votes: Jordan Dawson (A) 3, Sam Berry (A) 1.5, Izak Rankine (A) 1.5.
Round 19 – Western Bulldogs 11.11 (77) d Gold Coast 9.14 (68) at People First Stadium
Caleb Lewis made his AFL debut as the SUNS fell by nine points to the Bulldogs but had three of the best players on the ground according to the coaches. Touk Miller (39), Wil Powell (31) and John Noble (30) had 30-plus possessions while Matt Rowell complemented 26 possessions with 11 tackles and seven clearances, and Sam Collins was outstanding in defence. For the Dogs, Marcus Bontempelli had 23 possessions and kicked three goals, and Bailey Williams 29 possessions.
Coachlow Votes: Marcus Bontempelli (WB) 3, Matt Rowell (GC) 1.5, Bailey Williams (WB) 1.5.
Round 20 – Carlton 16.14 (110) d Gold Coast 15.7 (97) at Marvel Stadium
What a heart-breaker. The SUNS found themselves in front seven minutes into the final term when Beau Addinsall kicked his first AFL goal but conceded the next four majors and went down narrowly. Noah Anderson (30 possessions, one goal) and Mac Andrew (16 possessions) got themselves into the coaches votes as Patrick Cripps, Sam Walsh and Jagga Smith each topped 30 possessions for the Blues and Talor Byrne kicked three goals.
Coachlow Votes: Patrick Cripps (Carl) 3, Talor Byrne (Carl) 2, Jagga Smith (Carl) 1.
Round 21 – Melbourne 18.6 (114) d Gold Coast 16.9 (105) at People First Stadium
The SUNS returned 'home' at long last, and in their last game for the year at People First Stadium put on a valiant effort against an in-form Melbourne. They were four points up at halftime and two points down with 15 minutes to play but fell just short. John Noble (34 possessions) and Matt Rowell (30 possessions, nine tackles and eight clearances) were standouts for the SUNS as Max Gawn enjoyed 25 possessions (14 contested), 33 hit-outs and nine clearances on his way to a record ninth All-Australian blazer.
Coachlow Votes: Max Gawn (M) 3, Joel Fitzgerald (M) 1.5, Matt Rowell (GC) 1.5.
Round 22 – Gold Coast 11.13 (79) d GWS 11.11 (77) in Canberra
The SUNS travelled to the national capital to snap a 10-game losing streak with a two-point win over GWS. They led at every change and by nine points nine minutes into the final term after a Bailey Humphrey major, hanging on in desperate fashion as they finished their scoring with four behinds. A Giants goal after the siren made it look closer than it was, but the wash-up was all about one player, Matt Rowell. He had a career-best 40 possessions, 16 tackles and 17 clearances, a one-of-a-kind performance since they started keeping tackle stats in 1987 and clearance stats in 1998. Plus, he had a game-high 30 defensive pressure acts, a career-best 881m gained, and 10 inside 50s.
Touk Miller had 23 possessions, three goals and nine tackles, Noah Anderson 24 possessions, 10 tackles and nine clearances, and Mac Andrew had one of his best games for the year.
But if Rowell does not get three Brownlow Medal votes there should be an enquiry.
Coachlow Votes: Matt Rowell (GC) 3, Touk Miller (GC) 2, Mac Andrew (GC) 1.
Round 23 – Brisbane 14.11 (95) d Gold Coast 6.17 (53) at the Gabba
Noah Anderson and Wil Powell played their 150th games as the SUNS travelled up the highway for the Q-Clash. It was locked up at quarter-time but the SUNS' poor conversion was costly in what ended up a 42-point loss. They kicked 6.17 (53).
Matt Rowell (28), Noah Anderson (24) and Bodhi Uwland (22) topped the possession count while Touk Miller put together a solid all-round game, and Ned Moyle got the better of the two-pronged Brisbane ruck division. Will Ashcroft won the Marcus Ashcroft Medal after 31 possessions and a goal, while Levi Ashcroft had 26 possessions and a goal to set up the possibility of both brothers figuring in the votes. Zac Bailey had 27 possessions and Logan Morris kicked four goals.
Coachlow Votes: Will Ashcroft (B) 3, Zac Bailey (B) 1, Levi Ashcroft (B) 1, Matt Rowell (GC) 1.
Round 24 – Gold Coast 14.19 (103) d St Kilda 12.8 (80) at Marvel Stadium
The SUNS closed out the 2026 season with a 23-point win over St Kilda at Marvel Stadium. The home side was looking for a win to celebrate Brad Hill's 300th game, but the SUNS were much the better side. John Noble (42) and Touk Miller (40) each posted career-high possession counts, while Noah Anderson (37) was another standout with Matt Rowell, who complemented 28 possessions (20 contested) with eight tackles and 11 clearances, and Leo Lombard, who had 14 possessions and three goals. Hill had 42 touches for the Saints.
Coachlow Votes: Matt Rowell (GC) 3, Noah Anderson (GC) 2, Touk Miller (GC) 1.
